Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with the DSM-V.,The Veteran's claims for residuals of a head injury and headaches were not addressed due to lack of competent evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's claim of increased ratings for migraine headaches has been granted. His claims for service connection for Crohn's disease, a back disability, right knee and left knee disabilities, dry eye syndrome with myopic astigmatism, and hearing loss are all denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected benign brain tumor residuals, including claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current tension-type headaches and service, nor did it find any link between his acquired psychiatric disorder (Major Depression with Anxiety) and service. The Veteran's claims were denied.

The Veteran's vertigo is rated at a maximum of 30 percent, and her headache disorder is service connected. The claims for nystagmus and Meniere's disease have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's hypertension has not manifested as diastolic pressure predominantly of 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly of 200 or more during the appeal period. The claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for tinnitus, a sleep disability, high blood pressure, a gastrointestinal disability (ulcerative colitis), or a headache disability. The acquired psychiatric disorder (diagnosed as bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorder, and panic disorder) is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted. The remaining issues remain pending.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for an increase in the rating for his residual scars was denied. The effective date of service connection for a low back disability is March 19, 2004. The correct bilateral factor was applied effective April 16, 2003. A 40 percent rating has been granted for the Veteran's lumbar strain since March 19, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and GERD are not related to service, while his right knee strain and left knee MCL strain were resolved in-service. The Board also found no evidence of an undiagnosed illness under Persian Gulf War criteria.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, stating he is satisfied with the benefits he was receiving.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding the Veteran's service-connected headaches. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the rating claim.

The Board has granted a 30 percent initial disability rating for cluster headaches from December 30, 2008 to October 26, 2016. The Veteran's right hip avulsion fracture residuals are also service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The issues of service connection for skin disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, gastrointestinal disability, and muscle spasm (undiagnosed illness) are still pending.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and CAD, both presumed due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's chronic headaches are considered presumptive due to Agent Orange exposure.,Service connection is also granted for emphysema as a result of asbestos exposure, while the Veteran's pneumothorax claim remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine conditions are related to service, while his migraine headaches as a result of electrical shock are also related to service. However, the Veteran's degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine were not caused by or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremities peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure and anxiety disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied an initial compensable evaluation for migraine and vascular headaches, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8100.